Method and system for electronic communication to television

ABSTRACT

A system and method of displaying messages at a television is described. The method of displaying messages at a television includes: establishing communication over the Internet between a television and a server. A user-generated communication is received at the television from the server. A notification is displayed on the television that the user-generated communication has been received. The user-generated communication is displayed on the television.

FIELD

Embodiments according to the present invention generally relate totelevision systems and more specifically digital television systems.

BACKGROUND

As technology advances, televisions have quickly evolved in order toprovide users with a number of programming options. For example, oldertelevisions could only receive programming through antenna. Astechnology progressed, televisions were then able to receive programmingthrough cable. Next, televisions were able to receive programming fromsatellite. All of these programming delivery methods used the televisionas an isolated receiver entity.

Today, televisions are Internet enabled. Now televisions can receiveprogramming over the Internet. In addition, televisions are able totransmit limited information in order to purchase programming, verifysubscription services, request information, etc. Nevertheless, thetelevision is still basically a receiving and presenting device,designed to present programming to a user for viewing.

However, if a television user wants to communicate with another, theuser must access a device other than the television in order to use anelectronic mail program, text-messaging system, phone service, chatprogram, voice over Internet program, etc. Therefore, interactivecommunications require users who are viewing a television to own andoperate separate devices.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and systemof displaying electronic messages and communications at a television. Anelectronic message, e.g. text message, email, or communication, may besent from a mobile device or a computer. The message travels over theInternet and is delivered to a television. The television displays anotification that a message has been received, or the televisionautomatically displays the message for viewing by the user. A user mayselect the notification to view the message. In addition, the user mayuse the television to respond to the message, e.g. via anotherelectronic message or communication.

In one embodiment, a method of displaying messages at a televisionincludes: receiving an electronic communication at the television from aserver, wherein: a communication channel has been established over theInternet between the television and the server; and the electroniccommunication is a text message or an electronic message; notifying auser that the television has received the electronic communication; anddisplaying the electronic communication on the television.

In one embodiment, the displaying is performed in response to a requestfrom the user. In various embodiments, the electronic communicationincludes an identification of an alias associated with a sender of theelectronic communication.

In further embodiments, the method includes sending a second electroniccommunication from the television to the server in response to thereceiving. In some embodiments, the method includes storing theelectronic communication in the television.

In one embodiment, the method further includes: receiving a number ofincoming electronic communications; sending a number of outgoingelectronic communications, and storing the number of incoming electroniccommunications and the number of outgoing electronic communications inthe television. In further embodiments, the method includes receivingprogramming content at a cable host device for displaying on thetelevision.

In another embodiment, a method of displaying messages at a televisionincludes: establishing communication over the Internet between atelevision and a server; receiving a user-generated communication at thetelevision from the server; displaying a notification on the televisionthat the user-generated communication has been received; and displayingthe user-generated communication on the television.

In some embodiments, the displaying the user-generated communication isperformed in response to a request from a television user. In variousembodiments, the user-generated communication is a text message or anemail.

In one embodiment, the method further includes sending an outgoingelectronic communication from the television to the server. In furtherembodiments, the method further includes storing the user-generatedcommunication in a television storage device.

In some embodiments, the method includes: receiving a number of incomingelectronic communications; sending a number of outgoing electroniccommunications, and storing the number of incoming electroniccommunications and the number of outgoing electronic communications in atelevision memory device. In various embodiments, the method includesreceiving programming information at a cable host device for viewing onthe television.

These and other objects and advantages of the various embodiments of thepresent invention will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in theart after reading the following detailed description of the embodimentsthat are illustrated in the various drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example,and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of an exemplary system for displayingmessages at a television, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction in greater detail of the exemplarysystem for displaying messages at a television, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a graphical depiction of an exemplary system for displayingmessages at a television that were sent from a computer and through aserver, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a graphical depiction of an exemplary system for displayingmessages at a television that were sent either from a computer or amobile device and through a server, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a general-purpose televisionsystem within which a system of displaying messages at a television inaccordance with the present invention can be implemented.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of server affiliation,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of displaying messagesat a television, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of displaying messagesat a television, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments in accordance withthe present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. While the invention will be described inconjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they arenot intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On thecontrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modificationsand equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of embodiments of the present invention,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognizedby one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of thepresent invention.

The drawings showing embodiments of the system are semi-diagrammatic andnot to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for theclarity of presentation and are shown exaggerated in the drawingFigures. Also, where multiple embodiments are disclosed and describedhaving some features in common, for clarity and ease of illustration,description, and comprehension thereof, like features one to anotherwill ordinarily be described with like reference numerals.

Some portions (e.g. FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8) of the detaileddescriptions, which follow, are presented in terms of procedures, steps,simulations, calculations, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolicrepresentations of operations on data within a computer system. Thesedescriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled inthe data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance oftheir work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, computer-executedstep, logic block, process, etc., is here, and generally, conceived tobe a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to adesired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations ofphysical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantitiestake the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computersystem. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons ofcommon usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention,discussions refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, orsimilar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transformsdata represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computersystem's registers and memories into other data similarly represented asphysical quantities within the computer system memories or registers orother such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

Method and System for Electronic Communication to Television

FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of an exemplary system 100 fordisplaying electronic messages at a television, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The system 100 allows users to haveeasy access to communications, e.g. electronic mail and text messaging,while using a television. The system 100 presents on the televisiondisplay communications that have been sent to the registered televisionuser. In addition, the system 100 allows the user to respond to thecommunications.

A television 102 generally displays content to a user (not shown). Forexample, the content may be a movie, a television program, Internetstreaming video, etc. The user may control the television 102 with aremote control device 104. The remote control device 104 may be anydevice capable of controlling the television 102 remotely, e.g.wirelessly. For example, the remote control device 104 may be an I/Rremote control device, a LAN remote control device, or an application ona smart phone.

While viewing the television 102 the user may receive an electronicmessage 106 from, for example, a mobile device 108, e.g. cell phone, ora computer (not shown). The mobile device 108 transmits the message 106,and the message 106 is received by the television 102. The television102 may automatically display the message 106 in a message window 107contemporaneously with the receipt thereof. In an embodiment, the usermay respond to the message 106 using the television 102 and the remotecontrol device 104.

In some embodiments, the television 102 displays a relativelyunintrusive notification 110, e.g. a small icon, on the television 102.When the user is ready to view the message 106, the user selects thenotification 110. For example, the user may select the notification 110using a cursor directing device and/or a button 112 on the remotecontrol device 104. After the notification 110 has been selected, themessage 106 may then display in the message window 108.

FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction in greater detail of the exemplarysystem 100 for displaying messages at a television, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The system 100 allows usersoperating a television to have easy access to communications sentthrough a telecommunications network. The system 100 receives thecommunications through an Internet provider, and presents on thetelevision display communications that have been sent to the registeredtelevision user. In addition, the system 100 allows the user to respondto the communications.

A mobile device 108 transmits an electronic message 106 to atelecommunications network 214. The telecommunications network 214transmits the message 106 to an Internet provider 216. The Internetprovider 216 transmits the electronic message 106 to an Internet modem218. In an embodiment, the Internet modem 218 is a stand-alone deviceconnected, e.g. wirelessly or wired, to the television 102. Thetelevision 102 then displays the message 106 and/or the notification110. In an embodiment the television 102 stores the message 106, forexample on a hard drive (not shown).

Thus, the television 102 receives the message 106 directly from theInternet. In an embodiment, the television 102 separately receivesprogramming through a cable host device 220 that is connected to a cableprovider 222. In some embodiments, the cable host device 220 is astand-alone device connected, e.g. wirelessly or wired, to thetelevision 102. In various embodiments (not shown), the television 102may receive programming through other sources, e.g. an antenna or asatellite dish.

In an embodiment, the television 102 may transmit a response or originalelectronic message 106 to the Internet modem 218. The Internet modem 218transmits the message 106 to the Internet provider 216. The Internetprovider 216 transmits the message 106 to the telecommunications network214. The telecommunications network 214 transmits the message 106 to themobile device 108. Thus, users may communicate back and forth using themobile device 108 and the television 102.

FIG. 3 is a graphical depiction of an exemplary system 300 fordisplaying messages at a television, according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. The system 300 allows users operating atelevision to have easy access to communications sent through anInternet provider. The system 300 receives the communications through aserver, and presents on the television display communications that havebeen sent to the registered television user. In addition, the system 300allows the user to respond to the communications.

A computer 308 transmits the message 106 to a first Internet provider314. In some embodiments, the computer 308 may use electronic mail,instant messaging, and/or web forms to transmit the message 106. Thefirst Internet provider 314 transmits the message 106 to a server 324.The server 324 transmits the message 106 to a second Internet provider316. In an embodiment, the second Internet provider 316 may be identicalto the first Internet provider 314.

The second Internet provider 316 transmits the message 106 to anInternet modem 318. In an embodiment, the Internet modem 318 isintegrated into the television 102, e.g. a component within thetelevision 102. The television 102 then displays the message 106 and/orthe notification 110. In an embodiment the television 102 stores themessage 106, for example on a hard drive (not shown).

Thus, the television 102 receives the message 106 directly from theInternet. In an embodiment, the television 102 separately receivesprogramming through a cable host device 320 that is connected to a cableprovider 222. In some embodiments, the cable host device 320 isintegrated into the television 102, e.g. a component within thetelevision 102. In various embodiments (not shown), the television 102may receive programming through other sources, e.g. an antenna or asatellite dish.

In an embodiment, the television 102 may transmit the message 106 fromthe Internet modem 318 to the second Internet provider 316. The secondInternet provider 316 transmits the message 106 to the server 324. Theserver 324 transmits the message 106 to the first Internet provider 314.The first Internet provider 314 transmits the message 106 to thecomputer 308. Thus, users may communicate back and forth using thecomputer 308 and the television 102.

FIG. 4 is a graphical depiction of another exemplary system 400 fordisplaying messages at a television, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The system 400 allows users operating a television tohave easy access to communications sent through a telecommunicationsnetwork and/or an Internet provider. The system 400 receives thecommunications through a server, and presents on the television displaycommunications that have been sent to the registered television user. Inaddition, the system 400 allows the user to respond to thecommunications.

The computer 308 or the mobile device 108 transmits the message 106 to afirst Internet provider 314 or the telecommunications network 214. Thefirst Internet provider 314 or the telecommunications network 214transmits the message 106 to the server 324. The server 324 transmitsthe message 106 to a second Internet provider 316. In an embodiment, thesecond Internet provider 316 may be identical to the first Internetprovider 314.

In an embodiment, the server 324 may also transmit the message 106 tothe computer 308 through the first Internet provider 314, or the server324 may transmit the message 106 to the mobile device 108 through thetelecommunications network 214. Thus, if the message is set from themobile device 108, for example, the message will also be received by thecomputer 308, and vice versa.

In another embodiment, the television 102 may mirror the message 106 tothe computer 302 or the mobile device 108. Thus, if the message is sentfrom the mobile device 108, for example, the message will also bemirrored on the computer 308, and vice versa. In a further embodiment,the television 102 is copied on messages sent to/from the computer 308and to/from the mobile device 108. Thus, the television user may respondto the message 106 using, for example, the mobile device 108. Theresponse is copied to the television 102, and a history of theconversation may be stored on the television 102, for example on a harddrive (not shown).

The second Internet provider 316 transmits the message 106 to theInternet modem 318. The television 102 then displays the message 106and/or the notification 110. Thus, the television 102 receives themessage 106 directly from the Internet. In an embodiment, the television102 separately receives programming through a cable host device 320 thatis connected to a cable provider 222.

In an embodiment, the television 102 may transmit the message 106 fromthe Internet modem 318 to the second Internet provider 316. The secondInternet provider 316 transmits the message 106 to the server 324. Theserver 324 transmits the message 106 to the first Internet provider 314and the telecommunications network 214. The first Internet provider 314transmits the message 106 to the computer 308, and thetelecommunications network 214 transmits the message 106 to the mobiledevice 108. Thus, users may communicate back and forth using the mobiledevice 108, the computer 308, and the television 102.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a general-purpose televisionsystem 500 within which a system of displaying messages at a televisionin accordance with the present invention can be implemented. In theexample of FIG. 5, the system includes a host central processing unit(CPU) 502 coupled to a graphics processing unit (GPU) 504 and a webconnection 516 via a bus 506. One or more CPUs as well as one or moreGPUs may be used. The web connection 516 may be, for example, anEthernet port, a cable modem, a DSL modem, etc.

Both the CPU 502 and the GPU 504 are coupled to memory 508. In theexample of FIG. 5, the memory 508 may be a shared memory, whereby thememory stores instructions and data for both the CPU 502 and the GPU504. Alternatively, there may be separate memories dedicated to the CPU502 and GPU 504, respectively. In an embodiment, the memory 508 includesthe system of displaying messages at a television in accordance with thepresent invention. The memory 508 can also include a video frame bufferfor storing pixel data that drives a coupled display device 510.

The system 500 also includes a user interface 512 that, in oneimplementation, includes an on-screen control device. The user interface512 may include an I/R remote control device, a LAN remote controldevice, or an application on a smart phone. The user interface 512 maybe a wired interface (not shown) or a wireless interface communicatingto a wireless receiver 514.

In addition, the system 500 includes a receiver 518, e.g. cable hostdevice, satellite receiver, or antenna, for receiving programming. Thesystem 500 may also include a storage device 520, e.g. hard drive, forstoring messages. Generally speaking, the system 500 includes the basiccomponents of a television system platform that implements functionalityin accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, users may need to affiliate their devices with ahost company's server in order to send or receive electronic messages asdiscussed herein. FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart 600 of an exemplary methodof server based affiliation, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In a step 602, User A creates an account with a host companyon a server, e.g. server 314 (see FIG. 4). In a step 604, User Aregisters a mobile device with the host company. In a step 606, the hostcompany gives a unique ID for that mobile device.

In a step 608, User B creates an account with the host company on theserver, e.g. server 314 (see FIG. 4). In a step 610, User B registers atelevision with the host company. In a step 612, the host company givesa unique identification, e.g. MAC addresses, etc., for that television.In some embodiments, User B may register multiple televisions and asingle ID is shared for the multiple televisions. In an embodiment,steps 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612 may be performed on a website.

In a step 614, User A sends a text message or an email to the server,for example using a special business number. The message includesinformation identifying the mobile device, details of the recipient, andthe text message. In an embodiment, User A must provide a unique ID aswell as User B's ID so that a communication channel may be established.

In some embodiments, aliasing may be used to help users remember theirunique ID and the recipient's television ID. For example, aliases mayidentify the mobile device, the television, and/or the intendedrecipient. Thus, aliases used in the message may be automaticallyinterpreted, for example by the server, to identify users and devices.

In a step 616, the server parses the information (e.g. identification ofthe mobile device, details of the recipient, and the text message) inthe message, establishes a communication channel, and makes the messageavailable on User B's television. In a step 618, a notificationapplication on the television checks for updates and retrieves themessage sent from User A. In a step 620, the notification applicationparses the message and displays the message on the television.

In a step 622, User B can choose to reply to the message or close themessage. In a step 624, if User B chooses to reply to the message, a“Send Text” application will allow User B to type in a reply message andsend. In a step 626, the reply message is sent back to the server andthen to User A. For example, if User A sent a text from a cell phone,then the reply message would be a text back to the cell phone. If User Asent an email, then the reply message would be an email back to User A.In an embodiment, this cycle may repeat until the communication channelis closed.

FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart 700 of another exemplary method of displayingmessages at a television, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Although specific steps are disclosed in the flowchart 700,such steps are exemplary. That is, embodiments of the present inventionare well suited to performing various other steps or variations of thesteps recited in the flowchart 700.

In a step 702, an electronic communication is received at a televisionfrom a server, wherein a communication channel has been established overthe Internet (e.g. using server based alias registration) between thetelevision and the server, and the electronic communication is a textmessage or an electronic message. For example, in FIG. 4 an email hasbeen sent from a computer or a mobile device over the Internet to aserver. The server has established a communication channel over theInternet to a television, and the email is received at the television.

In a step 704, a user is notified that the television has received theelectronic communication. For example, in FIG. 4 the message isautomatically displayed and/or a notification is displayed on thetelevision. In an embodiment, the electronic communication includes anidentification of an alias associated with a sender of the electroniccommunication. For example, in FIG. 6 users may register with a hostcompany and assign aliases to unique IDs for televisions, mobiledevices, and/or computers.

In a step 706, the electronic communication is displayed on thetelevision. In an embodiment, the displaying is in response to a requestfrom the user. For example, in FIG. 4 the message is displayed on thetelevision. The message may be displayed in response to the user makinga request, e.g. selecting the notification or pressing a “view message”button.

In a step 708, the electronic communication is stored in the television.For example in FIG. 2 the message is stored on a hard drive connected tothe television. In some embodiments a cable host device may also beconnected to the television. The cable host device may receiveprogramming content for displaying on the television. For example, inFIG. 4 a cable host device receives programming content from a cableprovider.

In a step 710, a second electronic communication is sent from thetelevision to the server in response to the receiving. For example, inFIG. 4 the user of the television sends a response to the message. Theresponse is sent from the television, to the server, and then to themobile device and/or computer.

In some embodiments the television receives a number of incomingelectronic communications, sends a number of outgoing electroniccommunications, and stores the number of incoming electroniccommunications and the number of outgoing electronic communications inthe television. For example, in FIG. 4 the users communicate back andforth between the television and the mobile device and/or computer. Theincoming and outgoing electronic communications may be stored on aninternal or external hard drive.

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart 800 of an exemplary method of displayingmessages at a television, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention. Although specific steps are disclosed in the flowchart 800,such steps are exemplary. That is, embodiments of the present inventionare well suited to performing various other steps or variations of thesteps recited in the flowchart 800.

In a step 802, communication is established over the Internet between atelevision and a server. For example, in FIG. 4 a server has establisheda communication channel over the Internet (e.g. using server based aliasregistration) to a television. The server communicates to an Internetprovider, and the Internet provider communicates with an Internet modemat the television.

In a step 804, a user-generated communication is received at thetelevision from the server. In an embodiment, the user-generatedcommunication may be a text message or an email. For example, in FIG. 4an email has been sent from a computer or a mobile device over theInternet to a server. The server has established a communication channelover the Internet to a television, and the email is received at thetelevision.

In a step 806, a notification is displayed on the television that theuser-generated communication has been received. For example, in FIG. 4 anotification is displayed on the television that an email has beenreceived. In an embodiment, the electronic communication is stored inthe television. For example in FIG. 2 the message is stored on a harddrive connected to the television. In some embodiments a cable hostdevice may also be connected to the television. The cable host devicemay receive programming content for displaying on the television. Forexample, in FIG. 4 a cable host device receives programming content froma cable provider.

In a step 808, the user-generated communication is displayed on thetelevision. In an embodiment, the displaying is in response to a requestfrom a television user. For example, in FIG. 4 the message is displayedon the television. The message may be displayed in response to the usermaking a request, e.g. selecting the notification or pressing a “viewmessage” button.

In a step 810, an outgoing electronic communication is sent from thetelevision to the server. For example, in FIG. 4 the user of thetelevision sends a response to the message. The response is sent fromthe television, to the server, and then to the mobile device and/orcomputer.

In some embodiments the television receives a number of incomingelectronic communications, sends a number of outgoing electroniccommunications, and stores the number of incoming electroniccommunications and the number of outgoing electronic communications inthe television. For example, in FIG. 4 the users communicate back andforth between the television and the mobile device and/or computer. Theincoming and outgoing electronic communications may be stored on aninternal or external hard drive.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of displaying electronic messages at atelevision, said method comprising: receiving an electroniccommunication at said television from a server, wherein: a communicationchannel has been established over the internet between said televisionand said server; and said electronic communication is a text message oran electronic message; rendering a notification that said television hasreceived said electronic communication; and displaying said electroniccommunication on said television.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising receiving a user display request, and wherein said displayingis in response to said user display request.
 3. The method of claim 1wherein said electronic communication includes an identification of aserver based alias associated with a sender of said electroniccommunication.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising sending asecond electronic communication from said television to said server inresponse to said receiving.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprisingstoring said electronic communication in said television.
 6. The methodof claim 1 further comprising: receiving a plurality of incomingelectronic communications; sending a plurality of outgoing electroniccommunications, and storing said plurality of incoming electroniccommunications and said plurality of outgoing electronic communicationsin said television.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprisingreceiving programming content at a cable host device for displaying onsaid television.
 8. A method comprising: establishing communication overthe internet between a television and a server; receiving auser-generated communication at said television from said server;displaying a notification on said television that said user-generatedcommunication has been received; and displaying said user-generatedcommunication on said television.
 9. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising receiving a user display request, and wherein said displayingsaid user-generated communication is in response to said user displayrequest.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein said user-generatedcommunication is a text message or an electronic message.
 11. The methodof claim 8 further comprising sending an outgoing electroniccommunication from said television to said server.
 12. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising storing said user-generated communication ina television storage device, and wherein said user-generatedcommunication includes an identification of a server based aliasassociated with a sender of said user-generated communication.
 13. Themethod of claim 8 further comprising: receiving a plurality of incomingelectronic communications; sending a plurality of outgoing electroniccommunications, and storing said plurality of incoming electroniccommunications and said plurality of outgoing electronic communicationsin a television memory device.
 14. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising receiving programming information at a cable host device forviewing on said television.
 15. A television comprising: a processor; adisplay device coupled to said processor; an input device operable to bewirelessly connected to said processor; and memory coupled to saidprocessor, wherein said memory comprises instructions that when executedcause said television to perform a method of displaying messages at saidtelevision, said method comprising: receiving an electroniccommunication at said television from a server, wherein: a communicationchannel has been established over the internet between said televisionand said server; and said electronic communication is a text message oran electronic message; rendering a notification that said television hasreceived said electronic communication; and displaying said electroniccommunication on said television.
 16. The television of claim 15 whereinsaid electronic communication includes an identification of a serverbased alias associated with a sender of said electronic communication.17. The television of claim 15 wherein said method further comprisessending a second electronic communication from said television to saidserver in response to said receiving.
 18. The television of claim 15wherein said method further comprises storing said electroniccommunication in said television.
 19. The television of claim 15 whereinsaid method further comprises: receiving a plurality of incomingelectronic communications; sending a plurality of outgoing electroniccommunications, and storing said plurality of incoming electroniccommunications and said plurality of outgoing electronic communicationsin said television.
 20. The television of claim 15 wherein said methodfurther comprises receiving programming content at a cable host devicefor displaying on said television.